Leander Middle School Receives $500 Gift

LEANDER, TX — The seventh grade class of a Leander school was recently bestowed with a $500 donation, officials said.

Students in Laura Tuffentsamer’s seventh grade class at Wiley Middle School are beneficiaries of the donation from Bryson, a Johnson Development community, officials told Patch in an email. Tuffentsamer was awarded $500 to use for her classroom through the Bryson LISD Award of Excellence program, officials added.

The campaign takes nominations from residents of the Leander community for deserving teachers or staff members at the three schools serving Bryson: Jim Plain Elementary School, Wiley Middle School and Tom Glenn High School.

Tuffentsamer, a veteran 21-year educator, has been at Wiley for eight years. In that time, she has taught many grades but acknowledged a preference for middle school students. “I love watching my students learn, grow, and change,” she said. “A teacher never knows what impact they make, but I hope that I am that one they remember — that helped make them who they are.”

She expressed genuine surprise in receiving the award, saying she can’t wait to use the windfall for her students' benefit. Tuffentsamer plans to use the money to add to her collection of books as well as a few chairs, carpets, soft lighting and bookshelves, she said.

Receiving the gift reignited hopes to provide different learning opportunities that fit her students different learning styles: “I have always wanted my room to be a safe environment,” she said. “I also need items that students can use when they are feeling anxious or just need a break. “

Bryson General Manager ­­Tommy Tucker said he was gratified the award would help so many students: “Teachers are our most important resource,” he said. “If we help them, we help our schools. If our schools are great, then our residents benefit — now and in the future.”

Tuffentsamer added accolades to the school itself: “We have a wonderful team of administrators , teachers, support staff, kitchen, custodial staff and maintenance staff,” she said. “We are the best middle school!"

Bryson is located just off Highway 183A and Bryson Ridge Trail. Six builders offer homes priced from the $260,000s to the $500,000s. In addition to great schools, residents enjoy amenities such as trails, a resort-style pool and a dedicated lifestyle director. For more information on Bryson, visit www.liveatbryson.com.

Top photo: The Leander community of Bryson recently presented $500 to Wiley Middle School teacher Laura Tuffentsamer as part of its LISD Award of Excellence initiative. Shown here, from left, are Tommy Tucker with Bryson, Tuffentsamer, student Charlie Horwedel (whose parents recommended Tuffentsamer), and Kandis Rushing with Bryson.